Bias-free solar to ammonia photoelectrochemical conversion using a perovskite-silicon tandem absorber and 1T-MoS2 integration

Abstract

Ammonia, as a non-carbon fuel, is increasingly in demand due to global population growth. Traditional ammonia production via the Haber–Bosch process is energy-intensive, requiring high temperatures and pressures, which lead to significant carbon dioxide emissions. This study presents a sustainable alternative through the bias-free photoelectrochemical (PEC) nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) to realize artificial photosynthesis for solar to ammonia conversion, utilizing a perovskite-silicon tandem absorber integrated with a 1T-MoS₂ catalyst. The experimental results demonstrate a promising solar-to-ammonia conversion efficiency of 1.48% (0.5 M Li₂SO₄ electrolyte) under one sun illumination (100 mW cm⁻², AM 1.5G) without external bias, achieving bias-free artificial photosynthesis of ammonia. This device configuration shows promising direct solar to ammonia conversion and leverages cost-effective and abundant materials, offering a viable solution for large-scale ammonia synthesis. The success of this system underscores the potential of utilizing renewable solar energy for sustainable chemical production, marking a significant advancement in the field of solar-to-fuel conversion and opening new avenues for environmentally friendly ammonia synthesis.